Improved time management for Silicon Valley engineers begins at home and TV's have little value other than showing movies (and broadcasting LA Dodgers baseball games-my favorites). I know Americans love to tune in every week and find out whose "Friends" are whose and what happened at "Melrose Place" (Are those still on? It shows you how much I keep up with TV!).
Obviously, sitting in front of the TV for hours is time wasted and not the best of time management strategies. The engineer could be doing things to promote personal growth that will lead to his or her dream of becoming a pilot, a rock climber, or consulting in Tokyo. On the other hand, there's an argument of "quality time" with the family (after all, that's the intent-to spend more time with the family).
Perhaps the term "trash the TV" is a little harsh. How about "reprogramming" it (hook up a DVD player to it?) to play movies that the family will all enjoy (mostly on the weekends?)? On weeknights the kids should be doing homework that you need to help them with.
And then there are video games-engineers and technical professionals love them, it seems. I was one of those engineers that never got interested in video games. In fact, I have no idea what the latest video craze is or the names of the current games.
Now that I think about it, this article is geared more for the engineer's kids. By not watching mindless TV and not sitting idly in front of the computer screen while aliens explode from your laser guns (or whatever), the engineer is setting an example for them. Wouldn't it be nice to replace it with a family activity: golf, bowling, or even going for walks or hiking?
It all comes down to moderation. A few beers on Friday night are a good time for an engineer and a few beers every night is a bad habit that needs fixing. The same goes for watching TV and playing video games (for both you and the family).
